Titled “Valuation of properties in multi-storey, multi occupancy residential buildings with cladding – RICS guidance note March 2021”, the guidance provides major changes to EWS1 and the intended scope of the scheme. RICS has proposed a new guidance note on “Valuation of properties in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with cladding”.. Background. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published their anticipated new guidance on ESW1 (External Wall Fire Review) forms on 8 March 2021 following a consultation process. However, EWS1 Forms were requested for a far wider range of buildings than those intended. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has issued guidance on which residential buildings need an EWS1 form to clarify they do not have unsafe cladding. Ben Elder, RICS’ head of valuation standards, said: “This guidance provides a framework for consistency across the mortgage valuation sector as to when an EWS1 form is required. Ben Elder, head of valuation standards at RICS, added: “This guidance provides a framework for consistency across the mortgage valuation sector as to when an EWS1 form is required. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has set out new guidance to clarify which properties require valuers to complete an EWS1 form and which do not, in a bid to unlock the sales of flats with cladding. Latest RICS Guidance . RICS intended to work with the Government and stakeholders “to ensure the guidance is implemented by 5 April 2021.” UK lenders are being urged to support the guidance and “work with their valuation providers to implement.” 2. Ben Elder, RICS’ head of valuation standards, said that the “majority” of mortgage lenders were signed up to the guidance, which will come in to force on April 5, and called on the rest to sign up. The Guidance Note is a response to this, and an attempt to “put the genie, or at least a significant portion of it, back in the bottle” by seeking to narrow the scope of those buildings that should require an EWS1 Form. Read our response to the latest RICS Guidance. March 2021 saw the publication of the latest RICS Guidance on the valuation of residential buildings with cladding and the provision of clearer criteria, including case studies, for circumstances when an EWS1 form is deemed as being required. More information on EWS1 RICS has been looking to reform the process for some time as it has identified its concerns that the number of EWS1 forms that are being requested goes well beyond the number of unsafe buildings, as banks are increasingly requesting these forms for inappropriate considerations in relation to buildings which are completely safe. He said: “This guidance provides a framework for consistency across the mortgage valuation sector as to when an EWS1 form is required. “We are pleased to see, from the consultation responses, that many believe that the guidance will reduce the number of EWS1 forms requested. On 8 th March 2021, RICS published their new guidance on EWS1. Shortage of experts There is a lack of qualified professionals to carry out assessments and complete EWS1 forms. “We are pleased to see, from the consultation responses, that many believe that the guidance will reduce the number of EWS1 forms requested. Following a consultation process, the guidance clarifies that where a valuer or lender can establish that The guidance comes into force on 5 April 2021 and clarifies where EWS1 forms are needed.